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Michael Normanton |
Michael Normanton managed the grades to attend university, but after attending for a couple of semesters decided that it just wasn t for him. "I am definitely a 'hands on' kind of guy. I had been around trucks when I was still attending Francis Douglas Memorial College and used to drive in the ...
Alternative Career Options
Panelbeater
Job Overview: Including Automotive Engineer and Heavy (Diesel) Equipment Engineer
Automotive engineers check, service and repair motor vehicles and their parts and systems. They work on cars, vans, trucks and other vehicles. Heavy equipment engineers service and repair large vehicles such as trucks, buses, bulldozers, tankers and tractors. The motor industry is much more than just cars ń ©´ covers everything from motorcycles and lawnmowers to trucks, buses and boats!
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Automotive Technician
Vehicle Mechanic
Motor Mechanic
Engineer (Automotive)
Motor Engineer
Diesel Mechanic
Truck Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
Panelbeater
TASKS AND DUTIES
Automotive/heavy equipment engineers may do some or all of the following:
- discuss faults with customers
- test-drive vehicles to listen for faults
- inspect vehicles for faults
- diagnose what is causing any faults
- dismantle engines or other parts and systems requiring attention
- order replacement parts
- rebuild, repair or replace any faulty parts or components
- service vehicles
- change vehicle lubricants (such as oil) and coolants (such as radiator water)
- tune engines so that cars run more smoothly
- carry out vehicle Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness checks
- test-drive repaired vehicles
With the correct accreditation they may also: - install and certify LPG and CNG fuel systems
- certify modified vehicles to safety standards
- certify new and used imports first entering service
- Heavy equipment engineers may specialize in areas such as road transport, agriculture equipment, as well as forestry, plant or factory machinery equipment.
TRAITS OF A GOOD MOTOR ENGINEERAutomotive/heavy equipment engineers need good mechanical skills, and skill in diagnosing mechanical and electrical problems. They also need to have good people skills because they will have a lot of contact with their customers.
As an apprentice automotive engineers will learn about:
-vehicle engines, systems and parts
-automotive electronics
-principles of electricity and mechanics
-Ministry of Transport Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness regulations and safety standards
-how to safely and efficiently use workshop tools and equipment
-machines and computers
-different vehicle diagnostic and repair methods
Engineers should be practical, responsible, alert and adaptable. They also need to have a good memory and an eye for detail.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
At least three years of secondary education, with a good standard in English and maths is recommended for becoming an automotive/heavy equipment engineer. Other useful subjects include science, technical drawing, metalwork/woodwork and computer skills. It is an advantage to have completed the StartUp Programme with the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Inc)(MITO)at secondary school. Completing a National Certificate in Motor Industry Entry to Automotive Trades from a training provider may also be an advantage, before beginning an apprenticeship.
Useful work experience includes electrical work, service station work, an interest in motor vehicles and technology. Automotive engineers need to have a drivers licence.
An apprenticeship is a great way to develop a career in the automotive industry. Over the course of approximately 3 years, via on and off-job training, a completed apprentice receives a Level 4 National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Engineering).
Once completed an apprentice may extend his or her skill set by continuing their career path with MITO into Advanced Technician (ATech) programme. This is designed to teach the skills required to work with new technology such as hybrid vehicles and fibre optics.
To become a Heavy Equipment Engineer you will need to study towards a National Certificate in Motor Industry (Automotive Heavy Engineering). Further qualifications in the area of heavy equipment include: Agricultural and Equipment, as well as Plant and Equipment.
Find Training Providers in our Education Directory:
Taranaki Activity Centre
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
Local Industry Training Organisation (ITO)
Name: NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Inc) (MITO)
Contact: National Office
Free Phone: 0800 88 21 21
Email: info@mito.org.nz
Website: http://www.mito.org.nz
STUDY COSTS
The cost for a motor engineer apprenticeship wtih MITO is currently $858.75 per year. This covers all costs, including block courses etc. If you wish to enroll in a local pre-apprenticeship course this study will be for 1 year and costs up to $4,000.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Motor Engineers usually work either regular hours or in shifts. They may also be required to attend call-outs to vehicles or equipment that have broken down. Some engineers are required to work weekends. Salaries can vary widely across the industry, a very approximate guide for automotive/heavy equipment engineers is that they currently earn between $12 and $25 per hour.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
Doing an apprenticeship in automotive/heavy equipment engineering allows you to EARN AS YOU LEARN while training for a National Certificate. This means that you will NOT have any student debt! New Zealand's motor industry is large and employs thousands of people this means there are lots of opportunities for young people with talent and a great attitude to learning.
There are a wide range of jobs available to registered automotive/heavy equipment engineers - the choices are endless!
-Automotive engineering: maintaining, servicing and repairing cars, four wheel drive vehicles, vans, light trucks and parts.
-Automotive heavy engineering: maintaining, servicing and repairing heavy equipment, such as heavy trucks, buses and farm and forestry machinery.
-Panelbeating: repairing or replacing body parts of cars, trucks or other vehicles that have been damaged or rusted.
-Automotive electrical: installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and electrical and electronic systems in vehicles and marine equipment.
-Automotive refinishing: repainting vehicles to protect them from rusting and make them look more attractive, usually after the vehicles have had panelbeating repairs.
-Motorcycle engineering: maintaining, servicing and repairing motorcycles and scooters.
-Parts sales and service: selling new or used automotive parts and accessories.
-Vehicle sales: selling new or used cars, trucks and other vehicles.
A career in the motor industry can lead you in all sorts of directions!
-You could move within your particular skill area: into fuel injection, motor racing.
-You could try different jobs within your own industry: such as sales, technical sales, marketing, training or management.
-You could diversify into a different field altogether: take your engineering, servicing, panelbeating or sales skills into industries such as general engineering, electronics, road transport, aircraft, marine and insurance
-You could travel around the world: perhaps work for some of the world's major car manufacturing companies, join the racing circuit, work on completely different types and makes of vehicles and motors.
It's up to you - so go for it!
COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ motor engineers (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Max Penningtons Auto City, Molesworth Street, New Plymouth
- McCurdy Engineering Limited, Devon Road, New Plymouth
- Fonterra, Hawera
- Rotech Services, Molesworth Street, New Plymouth
- Diesel and Turbocharger Services, New Plymouth
Visit the Scholarships section of the site
RELEVANT CONTACTS
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Inc) (MITO)| Taranaki Contact: | Laurie Callender |
| Phone: | 027 471 0928 |
| Email: | laurie.callender@mito.org.nz |
| Website: | http://www.mito.org.nz |
Modern Apprenticeships
| Phone: | 0800 4 Apprentice |
| Website: | http://www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz |
Motor Trade Association Inc
| Website: | http://www.mta.org.nz |
Motor Industry Association
| Website: | http://www.mia.org.nz |
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